Audi A3 e-tron makes appearance at the Shanghai Auto Show

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Just as expected, Audi rolled out its new A3 e-tron sedan at the Shanghai Auto Show. The A3 e-tron sedan is a plug-in hybrid that showcases Audi’s commitment to hybrid technology on all its future vehicles.

The A3 e-tron sedan is designed as a light-weight and fuel-efficient car, which is powered by a direct-injected 1.4-liter four-cylinder delivering 211 horsepower along with the 20kW (27 hp) electric motor. The hybrid drivetrain is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission, and a lithium-ion battery pack is used to power the vehicle during electric only mode. Audi claims the Audi e-tron sedan can go as much as 34 miles on electric power alone before running out of juice. The battery pack is charged by an energy recovery system when the car is in motion or from a standard household 110-Volt power socket.

Performance wise, the A3 e-tron is able to sprint from 0-62 mph in just 6.8 seconds with a top speed reaching 144 mph. At this moment, we are not sure if it’s an all-wheel drive car, but the square setup would indicate that it is so.

Much of the materials used on the A3 e-tron are made of light materials such as a carbon fiber-reinforced frame, aluminum hood, trunk and doors. But the heavy 400-pound battery pack really puts a dent on its curb weight to about 3,792 pounds.

As for styling, compared to the A3 Sedan Concept, the A3 e-tron sedan has been toned-down a bit; mainly on the front grille, large 20-inch alloy wheels, and new colors in the interior. Expect to see the A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid sedan to due by late 2012.